It very satisfying being at the top of the table, but unlike the pop charts, being in the number one slot at Christmas isn't what it's all about. Having said that though, it is good for the fans, the club and everybody here who have put in so much effort over the last three years. The squad is getting stronger all of the time and they have the potential to keep where they are, but, with twenty-two games still to play, nothing has been achieved yet - there is a very long way to go.


Beating Ipswich last Sunday was a fantastic Christmas present. That we got another three points was our only concern, but that those points put us at the top of the division was a bonus. All we are trying to do is get as many points on the board as we can, then come the latter stages of the season, we can see in which direction we are going. But things are going very well so far, what we'll be looking to do in the second half of the season is maintain that level, and better it if we can, starting today against Forest.


While most people were digesting their Turkey and Christmas pudding yesterday, we were preparing for this afternoon's match. I had a 'normal' morning with the kids and family, opening presents and doing all the chores, but after dinner it was down to the training ground for an early evening session.


Forest are a good team, but if we approach the game with the same work ethic that has put us where we are at the minute, then we'll give ourselves a very good chance of picking up three more valuable points. However, like every holiday period, as soon as that final whistle goes at Carrow Road, then we'll have to turn our attentions to Derby County on Sunday. We'll have the lads in for a light session tomorrow, assess any knocks, then we'll be on our way to Derby.


Six points will be massive for us over these two games, as we have six days to turn our focus towards the trip to Everton for The FA Cup. Because this game is on the January 3rd, we have no New Years Day fixture, so that means the lads, and me, will be allowed to go out and enjoy ourselves and see the New Year in for a change - all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, as they say. We'll then be able to look forward to the Saturday and, though it will be tough, you never know, we could cause an upset…


It was good to see our new lad, Leon McKenzie, grab the headlines at Portman Road and we'll be hoping he can continue in that vein over these next few games. He's getting to know the system of play and his new team mates, so it was a very big week for him. He went out and showed his quality and worked extremely hard capping it off with two very good goals in the derby game.


We've been tracking Leon for around 18 months and during that time myself, my assistant, our coaches and chief scout have all seen him. We put our reports together and came up with analysis of Leon, which helped us make a decision on whether to make an approach. We saw that over that period of time, he'd matured as a footballer so we made our offer, which was accepted by Peterborough. We'll now be hoping that, after a great start with the club, he can go on and improve and achieve what we feel he is capable of.


WORTHERS' AWARDS 2003 


World Player of the Year

It would be very tight between Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. They've been very consistent this year, and Henry must be very disappointed to finish runner-up in the FIFA and UEFA awards, so I'll have to give it to both of them.


Highlights of 2003

One - Norwich City reaching the top of Division One was a great achievement and has to be my highlight of the year.


Two - The Rugby World Cup was excellent for the country and really caught everybody's imagination


Three - David Beckham's move to Real Madrid. Having watched a lot of their games this season, he is a star amongst stars settling into a great side and becoming one of their leading lights.

 

Merry Christmas and have a Wonderful 2004…


Nigel Worthington